Planning a Las Vegas Wedding

 

You're taking the big step and getting hitched. Well, Vegas is the wedding capital of the world, so let us fill you in on all you need to know to make your wedding a memorable occasion.

Q: My fiancé and I want to get married in Vegas. We know there are many wedding chapels on the Strip -- which ones would you recommend?

A: Well, that all depends on your taste and budget. A more elegant and traditional wedding can be had at the Wynn Las Vegas, Bellagio or Paris Las Vegas wedding chapels. For a tropical-feeling wedding in a garden gazebo, you might want to check out the Tropicana and Flamgino. The Chapel in the Clouds at Stratosphere offers lovely ceremonies from 800 feet above the Strip with panoramic views of the city. Caesars Palace also boast numerous wedding options, including three lovely chapels (the Classico, Romano and Tuscana) and outdoor options in their Venus and Juno gardens, which are resplendent with lush foliage and Roman-style architecture. For information on specific hotel chapels, check out our Hotel Chapels list or our entire Las Vegas Weddings guide.

Q: Are there places to get married off the Strip?

A: Yes, there are a lot of great wedding destination options around Las Vegas. Head to enchanting Lake Las Vegas. La Capella di Amore is a chapel at Ravella that's built over the water on a Ponte Vecchio-inspired bridge. Lake Mead Cruises boasts wonderful ceremonies from the top deck of its Desert Princess Mississippi-style paddlewheeler. For alpine enthusiasts, Mount Charleston provides a beautiful and romantic setting. Or several helicopter tour companies in Las Vegas offer wedding packages to places like the Valley of Fire and Grand Canyon. Just imagine saying your "I dos" as the sun sets over one of these breathtaking natural wonders. Plus, your wedding photos are guaranteed to be spectacular!

Q: I want to have the most ridiculous, outrageous, Vegas-style wedding. Where can I find the ultimate Vegas wedding experience?

A: You've come to the right place. Vegas is the home of wacky weddings, and many chapels provide themed packages. For starters, the happy couple can dress up in Renaissance period garb at Excalibur. At Paris Las Vegas, the Eiffel Tower wedding package allows couples the opportunity to wed at the top of the 50-story replica of the famed French landmark. If you and your betrothed are into zombies and haunted houses, Eli Roth's Goretorium has some truly blood-curdling wedding packages -- officiated by a zombie-slaying minister! Looking to be married by an Elvis impersonator? Try the Viva Las Vegas wedding chapel. Want to be married up in a helicopter? Check out our Themed Weddings page in our Las Vegas Weddings guide.

 Q: Are there any gay-friendly wedding chapels in Vegas?

A: Yes, commitment ceremonies are available at most chapels; however, marriage is not legal between two people of the same sex in Nevada. See our guide to alternative ceremonies.

Q: What do I need to get married in Vegas?

A: We make it easy here in Vegas. Simply head to the Marriage License Bureau. It's located in downtown Las Vegas, approximately six miles north of the heart of the Strip and three blocks south of Fremont Street Experience. All you need is a Social Security number and proof of identification/age (i.e., a driver's license, passport, birth certificate -- in English if you are foreign). There's a marriage license fee of $60, which is payable by cash, cashier's check, money order or credit card. There's no blood test or waiting period after a license is issued. For all the details, check VEGAS.com's legal information for weddings.

Q: What are some romantic things to do in Vegas on a honeymoon?

A: There's no shortage of romance in Vegas. Why not indulge in a couples spa treatment at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub in The Venetian, Spa by Mandara in Paris Las Vegas or the Grand Spa in the MGM Grand? Rumor has it the Honeymoon in Paris wedding package at Paris Las Vegas offers some great perks for newlyweds, including champagne and glass flutes, cookies and milk for two, a special honeymoon gift basket and more. Looking for a honeymoon suite? The LVH - Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is home to the Classic Suites Collection. It consists of 46 rooms that combine the timeless architecture and European décor of the past with contemporary touches. Or The Cosmopolitan is known for its wraparound terrace suite, which showcases panoramic views of the city's skyline from almost all directions. At the Bellagio, you can request their standard resort deluxe room with a lake view for a front seat to gaze at the eight-acre lake featuring the Fountains of Bellagio. Why not take a romantic tour while you're enjoying your honeymoon? Adventures with an awesome view of the city include helicopter rides. If the Grand Canyon is your thing, what could be more romantic than a sunrise tour with breakfast? Check out our Grand Canyon tours. Finally, our sources tell us the gondola rides at The Venetian are a hit with honeymooners. What could be better than being serenaded as you cruise the canals of Venice? For the ultimate getaway, lovebirds can enjoy the gondolas at Lake Las Vegas. For additional tips specific to getting married in Vegas, see our wedding tips.

Back to the Vegas Guide